The Evolution of Office Desk and Workstation

When you think of an office desk, it is often a picture of a cluttered mess. A singular table filled with a computer and keyboard, fax machine, a telephone, and a bunch of office supplies that you don’t use most of the time. Simply put –quite a chaotic work environment!! When you look at Systems Commercial has to offer, you will see a major evolution.

It is an evolution in design for office desks which reflects the changing attitude towards work. This is an important signal for employers to adapt to this evolution; especially if you want to stay competitive in the business world.

To help you understand how computer desks in Auckland have evolved from earlier models, browse through our product catalogue below:

Quick History of Office Desk

To help you understand how computer desks in Auckland have evolved from earlier models, here is a timeline to give you a vivid picture:

Early 1900s: During this time, the first office space design was established. At that time, office design was driven by efficiency. The employees were crowded together in an open space each with their own individual desks to serve as a workstation. Meanwhile, the bosses were located in separate and private offices wherein they could supervise their employees. This setup is quite similar to a factory floor.

1960s: For several decades, the office space design introduced in the early 20th century became a staple. It was in the 1960s when a new office landscape was introduced to the scene. At this point, there was a socialist value added to the design concept for work spaces. The workstations were arranged according to function, such as those that worked on clerical matters were located next to each other, and so forth. The idea behind this particular office design was to make project coordination easier for those working on the same set of tasks.

1968: This time period signaled a major shift in office design. A product was introduced into the workplace that featured low dividers and permitted a more flexible work station: the cubicle. In fact, this product remains in production today and some office spaces still use it.

1980-1990: During this time period, the office design concepts shifted often. The cubicle concept introduced in the late 1960s was taken to a new level; this time, modular walls were built in between cubicles. But this was not the most efficient design as employees felt isolated at work. Thus, a new concept of a virtual office was introduced by some companies around the early 1990s. It was a completely alien experience at that time and caused productivity level to take a nosedive.

Late 1990’s to Present: Even though office desks and workstation designs are still evolving to this day, employees have come a long way as far as taking into account the needs of employees. This is evidenced by the rise in availability of ergonomic chairs and workstations in the market. Furniture designers have also been more open to the idea of encouraging sociability among employees. Hence, cubicles are rarely seen in modern office designs today. The use of semi-enclosed pods, separate work areas (instead of dividers), and adjustable desks are pretty common.

How the Office Became What it is Today

Despite the timeline outlined above, there is not much knowledge available on the history of office equipment. It does seem odd given that majority of the employees spend a huge percentage of their lives in the office – more time than spent at home! This reflects the relevance of the issue and the need to pay more attention to an efficient work desk design.

Mentioning the word “office” yields interesting reactions. Some people gleam with pride, while others show disinterest. Why do most people give so little thought about office spaces and workplace designs? This important issue should not be discarded by employers or employees, as it is the driving force behind commercial office fitouts and custom furniture. Traditional office furniture do not kindle a sense of enthusiasm in employees. That sense of enthusiasm is vital for workplace productivity.

It is also interesting to note that none of the earlier designs of work desks and office furniture have endured today. It speaks volumes about the relatively short life span of furniture pieces. Until the introduction of the ergonomic workstation in the 21st century, little thought was given to office designs. It was simply a place where people sat and performed their duties. The design was basically an economic choice for employers to get more people to fit into a particular space and ensure they each had a spot dedicated to their work. But the irony of it is that it does not generate the same level of productivity as modern and ergonomic office workstations create today.

Today, desk designers in NZ have incorporated many of the faults in design that were seen several centuries ago. Recent technology advancements have contributed to the new face of office furnitures. For example, modern computers have made it possible to carry out tasks previously performed by employees or office machines. Hence, you no longer need to invest in these machines and you can do all the work on your computer. This will instantly reduce the clutter in your office desk and help you focus on space-saving designs that will ensure higher productivity and organization. At the same time, technology has enabled furniture designers to create innovative designs that will facilitate the employee’s need for back support, comfort and adjustability.

As technology continues to evolve, and as the needs of employees continue to change, expect newer office designs to be introduced into the market in the years to come.

ABOUT US

Systems Commercial Furniture is an Auckland-based business that specializes in commercial and residential furniture. We are experts in designing and developing fitouts and furniture that suit your office and commercial needs. It is our objective to provide you with functional pieces of furniture without compromising your modern tastes and need for style..